Methods and apparatus for wireless upload and download of aircraft data

ABSTRACT

A method for wirelessly communicating data between a plurality of avionics units on an aircraft and a data communication apparatus. The method includes wirelessly communicating download data for one avionics unit from the data communication apparatus to an aircraft data services link in the aircraft; automatically switching a communication path from the aircraft data services link to the avionics unit responsive to the download data; and electronically communicating the download data from the data communication apparatus to the avionics unit via the automatically switched communication path.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/268,085, filed Feb. 13, 2001, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety. This application is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/075,083 filed on Feb. 12, 2002, which isincorporated herein by reference. This application is also related toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/075,032, filed on Feb. 12, 2002,which is also incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to communications systems, and moreparticularly to methods and apparatus to facilitate loading andacquisition of data relating to aircraft loadable computers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Digital computers on recent airplane models require frequent softwareupdates. Flight management computers (FMCs) were among the first ofthese computers to have periodic updates performed. Originally, theseupdates were performed according to a tape loading standard (ARINC 603)that required the use of a portable device having one ARINC 429 outputand two inputs. The loading was performed by attaching a cable and aportable tape loader to a 32-pin data loader connector located in thecockpit of the airplane. The location of this connector was chosen indifferent model airplanes to avoid having a mechanic crawl around anelectrical equipment (EE) bay each time he was required to perform asoftware update. Nevertheless, it was soon recognized that portable tapeloaders were slow, large and cumbersome. Thus, a new data loadingstandard, ARINC 615-1, was developed to utilize standard 3½″ floppydisks.

To accommodate new ARINC 615-1 loaders, the 32-pin data loader connectorwas replaced with a new 53-pin connector. In addition, some airlinespreferred that loaders be configured for permanent mounting on primarylong haul aircraft. As a result, the ARINC 615 specification wasupgraded to accommodate additional busses in an attempt to anticipate amaximum number of loadable units that would require an interface with anARINC 615 loader. Today, as many as 24 loadable Line Replaceable Units(LRUs) may be found on a single aircraft. However, only eight LRUs canbe accommodated by the ARINC 615-3 specification.

One solution to the increasing number of LRUs on an aircraft has been toprovide a Portable Data Loader (PDL) connector with a multiple positionrotary switch. In some cases, approximately 200 wires populate fourcircular connectors located on the data loader switch installed on amaintenance panel.

Data communication between aircraft and ground began using existing HFand VHF radios to transmit character data stored in a few avionics linereplaceable units (LRUs). The routing of information such as centralmaintenance computer and aircraft condition monitoring system reports inone known data communication system is under control of a managementunit (MU) based on ARINC 724 specifications. The interfaces throughwhich data has been routed from aircraft systems are traditional analogdiscrete and ARINC 429 data bus interfaces.

As the complexity of aircraft communication and reporting systems(ACARS) have increased, production aircraft have been provisioned withmore advanced versions of such systems based on ARINC 758specifications. One such communication management unit (CMU) is capableof handling protocol layers beyond those specified by ARINC 724B. Oneknown CMU is also intended to accommodate interfaces to Ethernet-basedsystems, adding an additional, non-traditional physical layer. Digitallink radios currently in development would further improve transmissionbetween ground stations and aircraft. However, bandwidth for thistechnology still lags that provided by broadband satellite datacommunications.

ARINC 758 CMU functionality manages the routing of data for aircraftavionics systems over data link radios and satellite communicationsystems (SATCOM), with expandability to Ethernet-compatible systems.Sources and end users for communication with a ground station includesatellite data units (SDUs), ACMS, central maintenance computers (CMCs),and optional cabin terminals via HF, VHF, SATCOM, and new data linkradios. Aircraft information to the CMU comes from many avionicssources, such as display systems, flight management computers (FMCs),DFDAU digital discretes, ACMS, DFDAU ARINC 753 data, out/off/on/in(OOOI) discretes and transponders. Two-way communication is alsoestablished between multifunction control and display units (MCDUs),printers, data loaders, and aircraft programmable modules (APMs). CMUsare also capable of driving up to two sets of alert output discretes.

The aircraft industry is currently developing ARINC 763 Network ServerSystems (NSS), which will have management capability for routinginformation over IEEE 802.11 transceivers utilizing wireless spreadspectrum technology as well as Ethernet interface capability. Theprimary avionics data sources that ARINC 763 systems require areaircraft parametric information and 2-way ARINC 429 communicationdirectly between avionics LRUs and a server interface unit (SIU).

As currently envisioned, ARINC 763 NSS will acquire parametric data andstatus via an ARINC 573/717 serial output of a digital flight dataacquisition unit (DFDAU). To update software in avionics LRUs, the SIUis wired upstream from a rotary switch, between the switch and anexisting portable data loader connector or an installed airborne dataloader. However, one problem with designs of this type is that only rawparametric data out of the DFDAU is available. Processed reports, basedon re-configurable capture criteria in ACMS, e.g., operator selectablechannels of smart access recorder (SAR) data, re-programmable ACMStriggered reports, in addition to raw data intended for quick accessrecorders (QAR), are only available via an ARINC 615-3 data loaderinterface to the ACMS, and can be retrieved on-ground via disk download,or via ACARS as a defined trigger-event occurs.

A primary goal of aircraft manufacturers is to minimize changes toaircraft production processes while at the same time offering increasedfunctional capability and ease of use in new product offerings. Whennumerous new wiring, LRUs and supporting components are added toproduction aircraft, aircraft manufacturers incur large, non-recurringcosts. To avoid drastic changes that would incur these large costs,ARINC 763 NSSs are being designed with a limited subset of traditionalaircraft interfaces. For example, one known ARINC 763 NSS is beingdesigned to tie into two primary interfaces. The first of these twointerfaces is an ARINC 573/717 DFDAU serial output bus to an existingQAR interface or parallel ARINC 573/717 path. The second is an existingdata loader interface. NSS designers thus minimize usage of aircraftinformation from different aircraft sources and add a new communicationmedium to the aircraft information routing scheme, namely, wireless IEEE802.11. Thus, some data movement issues on the aircraft side remain andsome existing features, available in other known avionics LRUs, are notfully utilized.

Also, ARINC 758 and ARINC 763 systems have different philosophiesregarding routing of aircraft information. ARINC 753 systems areconnected to many existing aircraft interfaces with air/ground andlimited ground/ground communication via existing radio and satellitetechnology. On the other hand, ARINC 763 systems are being designed forconnection to a very small number of aircraft interfaces with ground toground and limited air to ground communication (depending upon thedistance to an access point) using wireless spread spectrum IEEE 802.11communication technology. Known systems do not provide integration ofthese routing functions.

Present maintenance practices for downloading aircraft data intoAvionics line replaceable units (LRUs) include using a portable orPC-based ARINC 615-3 data loader to download part number controlleddatabases, operational program configuration (OPC) files, andoperational program software (OPS) that is ordinarily transferred using3¼″ floppy disks. A permanently mounted airborne data loader (or a bulkloader in a shop environment) can also be used to load aircraft LRUs.

Software loadable LRUs in at least one aircraft line can be downloadedwith controlled information stored on floppy disks. The loadable dataconforms to ARINC 615 data formatting standards by including aCONFIG.LDR header file, embedded load cyclic redundancy checks (CRCs),system address labels (SALs), and a data bus sequence, and conforms toother file structure requirements. Avionics systems currently installedin this aircraft line provide two-way communication using standard ARINC615-3 protocol, and this protocol is used on all LRUs that requireperiodic software upgrades. Wiring to accommodate LRUs that use theARINC 615-3 protocol are routed to an existing multi-deck rotary switch.In a typical Boeing 747-400, for example, up to 23 LRUs utilize thisupload function. A human operator uses the rotary switch to provideconnectivity between avionics units to an airborne data loader or to aconnector of a portable data loader. The wiring to the switch passesfrom an electronics equipment (EE) bay to a centralized flight decklocation.

Because of the need for manual intervention to operate switches toprovide connectivity between avionics units, providing automatic uploadsof avionics data from aircraft to ground stations via wirelesscommunication links would require extensive rewiring of existingaircraft. Remotely-initiated download of data from ground stations toaircraft would also require extensive rewiring.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary implementation of the present invention provides a methodfor wirelessly communicating data between a plurality of avionics unitson an aircraft and a data communication apparatus. The method generallyincludes wirelessly communicating download data for an avionics unitfrom the data communication apparatus to an aircraft data services linkin the aircraft; automatically switching a communication path from theaircraft data services link to the avionics unit responsive to thedownload data; and electronically communicating the download data fromthe data communication apparatus to the avionics unit via theautomatically switched communication path.

In another implementation, the present invention provides a method forwirelessly communicating data between a plurality of avionics units onan aircraft and a data communication apparatus. The method generallyincludes automatically switching a communication path from an avionicsunit to an aircraft data services link in the aircraft; electronicallycommunicating data from the avionics unit to the aircraft data serviceslink via the automatically switched communication path; and wirelesslycommunicating the data from the aircraft data services link to the datacommunication apparatus.

Another implementation of the present invention provides an apparatusfor wirelessly communicating data between a plurality of avionics unitson an aircraft and a data communication apparatus external to theaircraft. The apparatus generally includes, onboard an aircraft: anaircraft data services link having a processor, means for wirelesslytransmitting and receiving data to and from a data communicationapparatus external to the aircraft, and a remotely controllableelectronic switch; and a plurality of avionics units coupled to theremotely controllable electronic switch. The processor is responsive todata received from the data communication apparatus via the means forwireless transmitting and receiving to identify an intended destinationfrom said avionics units from information contained in a standard formatof downloaded ARINC 615 or 615A compliant data, and to automaticallycontrol the remotely controllable electronic switch to selectivelycouple the intended destination avionics unit to the aircraft dataservices link to provide data communication between the intendeddestination avionics unit and the data communication apparatus via theaircraft data services link.

In yet another implementation, the present invention provides anapparatus for wirelessly communicating data between a plurality ofavionics units on an aircraft and a data communication apparatusexternal to the aircraft. The apparatus generally includes, onboard anaircraft: an aircraft data services link having a processor and meansfor wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to and from a datacommunication apparatus external to the aircraft; and a plurality ofavionics units coupled to a remotely controllable electronic switch. Theprocessor is responsive to data received from the data communicationapparatus via the means for wireless transmitting and receiving toidentify an intended destination from said avionics units frominformation contained in a standard format of downloaded ARINC 615 or615A compliant data, and to automatically control the remotelycontrollable electronic switch to selectively couple the intendeddestination avionics unit to the aircraft data services link to providedata communication between the intended destination avionics unit andthe data communication apparatus via the aircraft data services link.

Various implementations and configurations of the present inventionprovide automatic uploading and/or downloading of data from and/or toground stations using a wireless communication link, without requiringextensive rewiring or redesign of existing aircraft.

The features, functions, and advantages can be achieved independently invarious embodiments of the present inventions or may be combined in yetother embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of an aircraftavionics system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is block diagram of an exemplary configuration of the aircraftdata services link (ADSL) shown FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary configuration of a hub orswitch suitable for use in the aircraft data services link (ADSL) shownin FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description of the preferred embodiments is merelyexemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention,its application, or uses.

In one configuration of the present invention and referring to FIG. 1,an aircraft avionics system 10 on an aircraft supports communicationsbetween the aircraft and a data communication apparatus 12. Thiscommunication is provided via a wireless data link 14. A non-exhaustivelist of suitable wireless data links include VHF radio links, HF radiolinks, satellite communication links (SATCOM), and wireless spreadspectrum links such as IEEE 802.11. Suitable devices for datacommunication apparatus 12 include, but are not limited to, airportground service terminals, wireless hand-held devices such asintranet-enabled cell-phones, pilot access terminals, electronic flightbags (EFBs), and so forth. Depending upon the range of wireless datalink 14, data communication apparatus 12 can be external to and asignificant distance from the aircraft on which avionics system 10 isinstalled. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, avionicssystem 10 is configured to communicate with more than one datacommunication apparatus 12, although not necessarily with more than onesuch apparatus 12 at one time. For example, communication with airportground service terminals can be provided as well as communication withhand-held devices for maintenance.

Aircraft avionics system 10 further comprises a plurality of avionicsunits. In one configuration, these avionics units include an aircraftcommunication and reporting system (ACARS) 16, a multifunction controldisplay unit (MCDU) 18, an aircraft condition monitoring system (ACMS)20, and a digital flight data acquisition unit (DFDAU) 22. In oneconfiguration, ACMS 20 and DFDAU 22 comprise a single unit that providesboth ACMS and DFDAU functions. In addition, a plurality of additionalavionics LRUs (hereinafter avionics units) 24 are provided. These units24 are collectively represented in FIG. 1 as aircraft systems,communications management units (CMUs), discretes, ARINC 429 systems,and ARINC 573/717 systems. Routing of data to and from a ground-baseddata communication apparatus 12 to and from avionics units such as 16,18, 20, 22, and 24 is provided by an aircraft data services link (ADSL)26 in the aircraft. For example, data transferred by ADSL 26 to and/orfrom data communication apparatus 12 includes, in one embodiment,software uploads and downloads, flight performance data, andapplications for use by flight crew, cabin crew, maintenance crew,airport ground services and airline operations.

In one configuration and referring to FIG. 2, ADSL 26 comprises one ormore means 32, 36 for wirelessly transmitting and receiving data to andfrom one or more data communication apparatus 12 (not shown in FIG. 2).For example, an IEEE 802.11 transceiver 32 is coupled to an antenna 34on the outside of the aircraft to provide communication between theaircraft and a data communication apparatus 12 on the ground. Anadditional IEEE 802.11 transceiver 36 is provided in one configurationwith an antenna 38 inside the aircraft to provide access for portabledata communication apparatus onboard the aircraft, such as those used bymaintenance personnel. In one configuration not shown in FIG. 2, thespread spectrum transmitter and receiver are separate components. Inanother configuration, transceiver 32 is any variety of IEEE 802.11transceiver or separate transmitter and receiver, such as a separateIEEE 802.11a transmitter and receiver. In yet another configuration,transmitting and receiving means 32 is an amplitude modulation receiverand transmitter, or an amplitude modulation transceiver. (As usedherein, IEEE 802.11 includes variations thereof, such as IEEE 802.11b).

Wireless transmitting and receiving means 32 is communicatively coupledto a network server unit (NSU) 41 that comprises at least one CPU orprocessor 40 and a memory 42. Additional wireless transmitting andreceiving means 36, if present, are also coupled to NSU 41. In oneconfiguration, memory 42 includes instructions to operate CPU 40.Included in these instructions in one configuration are instructions tomaintain a database containing version identifiers of software stored insoftware-loadable avionics units (not shown in FIG. 2). In oneconfiguration, the operative coupling of NSU 41 to avionics unitscomprises “direct coupling” to one or more externally accessible busses44, or indirect coupling 54 via a system interface unit/firewall(hereinafter, SIU) 46. SIU 46 sends and receives data to and from NSU 41in one configuration via an Ethernet connection 56. It will beunderstood that the “direct coupling” to busses 44 may include timingand level interface circuitry, as required. This circuitry is not shownin FIG. 2. However, the design of such circuitry is considered to bewithin the capability of one of ordinary skill in the art.

ADSL 26 further comprises a remotely controllable switch 52, sometimesalso referred to as a “hub.” Switch 52 sends and receives data to andfrom NSU 41 either directly 50, or in another configuration, via a busor other data connection 48 to SIU 46. Switch 52 is coupled to aplurality of avionics units, represented collectively in FIG. 1 as 24.For example, switch 52 is coupled to a plurality of software-loadableARINC 615 or 615A units. Such units have, in the past, been loadedutilizing a manually-switched connector in an avionics bay of anaircraft, because the ARINC 429 (or A429) standard does not allow morethan one such unit to share a single bus. The use of a remotelycontrollable switch 52 permits communication between a datacommunication apparatus 12 and a selectively coupled avionics unit outof a plurality of such units using A429 busses (via antenna 34 or 38,and NSU 41) without shorting of A429 busses from different avionicsunits.

In one configuration, switch 52 is remotely controlled by NSU 41 eitherdirectly 50 or via bus or data connection 48. When data is downloadedfor a selected avionics unit from a ground-based data communicationapparatus 12, NSU 41 identifies the intended destination avionics unit.For example, instructions stored in memory 42 instruct NSU 41 processor40 to buffer downloaded ARINC 615 or 615A compliant data in memory 42and to identify the intended destination avionics source unit frominformation contained in the standard format of the data. Processor 40then electronically switches hub or switch 52 (for example, by a signalsent via data connection 48 or 50 and recognized by hub or switch 52) toprovide a communication path from ADSL 26 to the proper avionics unitfor downloading the buffered data via the communication path to theproper avionics unit. Thus, processor 40 is responsive to data receivedfrom data communications apparatus 12 via wireless transmitting andreceiving means 32 to selectively couple avionics units to ADSL 26 toprovide communication between a selectively coupled avionics unit anddata communication apparatus 12 via ADSL 26.

In addition, processor 40 updates its database to reflect the updatedsoftware version in that avionics unit. In configurations in which theselected avionics unit is able to report fault information pertaining tothe uploaded data, this fault data is communicated back to ADSL 26 overthe electronically switched communication path and wirelesslycommunicated via ADSL 26 back to the data communication apparatus 12that transmitted the update. Also in one configuration, faultinformation is incorporated into the database stored in memory 42.

Thus, in one configuration of the present invention, a communicationpath such as an ARINC 429 bus is switched to provide communicationcontinuity between an avionics unit (such as one of the units indicatedcollectively at 24) and ADSL 26. Data is communicated electronicallyfrom the avionics unit to ADSL 26 via this electronically switchedcommunication path, and then this data is wirelessly communicated 14from ADSL 26 to data communication apparatus 12. Remotely controllableswitch 52 in one configuration is coupled to at least two avionics unitsvia ARINC 429 (A429) busses, and selects one of the avionics units at atime for coupling to processor 40.

Also in one configuration of the present invention, aircraft performancedata is transmitted to a ground-based data communication apparatus 12 byaircraft avionics system 10. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, aircraftperformance data is gathered by ACMS 20 from avionics unit sources. Inone configuration, the avionics unit sources include at least one of anACARS 16, an MCDU 18 or an DFDAU 22, or combinations thereof. Thisperformance data is communicated from ACMS 20 to ADSL 26 electronicallyvia communication link 64, and wirelessly 14 from ADSL 26 to datacommunication apparatus 12. NSU 41 processor 40 of ADSL 26 is responsiveto data transferred to it by ACMS 20 and, in one configuration, isconfigured to schedule wireless transmission 14 of the transferred datafrom ACMS 20 to data communication apparatus 12. For example, a programin memory 42 executed by NSU 41 processor 40 wirelessly transmits 14this data at scheduled times during a flight, or upon landing.

In one configuration, data carried over wireless link 14 includesconfiguration updates to communication management units (CMUs) 24downloaded from a ground station to memory 42 in ADSL 26. For example,one type of update is provided as an operational control configuration(OPC) software loadable “controlled” part. Configuration management isprovided by a database in the memory of ADSL 26 and at an originatingground network node (i.e., data communications apparatus 12) and aresynchronized, coordinated and tracked on both the aircraft and at theground. Real-time NSU 41 processor 40 handles data acquisition andcommunication between aircraft interfaces and server/router.

Databases and datasets for ADSL 26 functionality are treated asconfiguration updates in similar form and part number control as CMU OPCupdates. Examples of such databases and datasets include navigationdatabases, weather maps, synthetic vision profile maps and runway mapsto assist in surface awareness and/or guidance.

Operational program software (OPS) updates by ADSL 26 are handled understrict configuration control guidelines in one configuration of thepresent invention. Acceptance by ADSL 26 of ground station data OPSdownloads via data communication apparatus 12 and storage in NSU 41memory 42 are conditioned upon passing a number of predetermined tests,such as compatibility checks, revision history checks, and/orsynchronization with a version control system at an authenticated sourceon the ground. In one configuration, an aircraft configurationmanagement application in ADSL 26 is configured to perform automatic OPSdownloads when required by hardware replacement, and to flag anyunresolved aircraft/software compatibility issues.

In one configuration, some types of information from the avionics unitsare stored and time-tagged for later retrieval and transfer to a networkclient such as a pilot access terminal, an electronic flight bag (EFB),or ground network system (not shown in the figures). Real-timeparametric data is collected from the avionics systems, including (butnot limited solely to) data collected from an ARINC 573/717 output ofDFDAU 22. This data is stored in a variable recording buffer (shown asdigital storage 60 in FIG. 1) to attach trigger events to the functionof ACARS 16. In one configuration, the window size of buffer 60 isreprogrammable via an OPC update.

In one configuration, ADSL 26 includes an avionics data acquisitionfunction using existing ARINC 615-3 handshaking protocols. Althoughthese protocols are used today to upload software to LRUs, physicalconnections and software in avionics LRUs that support an upload offault data already exist. ADSL 26 is also used, in one configuration, tocollect avionics LRU configuration information through an avionicsgateway and to identify and store in memory the current software partnumbers installed on an aircraft. A predefined format is used for eachLRU to transmit its software part number to the ADSL 26.

In one configuration, there are six major communication paths fortransfer of data.

1. Aircraft to ADSL.

Aircraft to ADSL 26 interfaces 62, 64 communicate upload faultinformation and configuration information for all connected ARINC 615-3loadable systems. In one configuration, this information is alsoprovided from ARINC 615A (Ethernet) loadable systems. (Hereinafter, bothin the description and in the claims, reference to an ARINC 615 systemis intended to encompass all ARINC 615 systems, irrespective of suffix,unless otherwise noted.) Examples of such systems are MCDUs and cabinterminal interfaces. This data is provided, in one configuration, viaARINC 429. In addition, data is provided from CMU interfaces via ARINC429, discretes, and ARINC 573/717 serial outputs.

2. ADSL to Aircraft.

Bidirectional interface 62, 64 provides a dataload interface for allARINC 615 upload software to all connected systems via ARINC 429,including, in one configuration, ARINC 615A (Ethernet). Examples of suchsystems are MCDU 18 and cabin terminal interfaces. This data isprovided, in one configuration, via ARINC 429. In addition, data isprovided from CMU interfaces via ARINC 429, discretes.

3. ADSL to Clients.

Interface 62, 64 provides fault information and software configurationinformation from an ARINC 615 download application for use byclient-resident applications using IEEE 802.11 protocol. Examples ofsuch systems are enhanced MCDU 18, cabin terminal functionality,software updates to be used by clients, i.e., flight crew, cabin crew,maintenance, airport ground services and airline operations. Real timedata captured by ADSL 26 and outputs of “auto-report generation”applications on ADSL 26 are available for display using client residentapplications.

4. Client to ADSL.

Outputs of reports generated by resident applications on client devices,such as pilot access terminals (PATs), electronic flight bag (EFB), etc.(not shown in the figures) are communicated via IEEE 802.11. Clients canemulate MCDU 18, cabin terminal interface for communications. Outputs ofapplications in client devices, such as pilot access terminals (PATs),electronic flight bag (EFB), etc., via IEEE 802.11.

5. ADSL to Ground

Stored data, reports transmitted automatically to or requested from aground station via a communication link 14 (for example, HF, VHF,SATCOM, broadband, or IEEE 802.11).

6. Ground to ADSL

This data comprises software updates for avionics, configurationmanagement synchronization information, selective fault report andconfiguration data requests. (Databases and configuration updates areconsidered as software updates for purposes of this description.)

ADSL 26 interfaces with the aircraft via the SIU 46 and via acommunications router/server 44, 54, 70. SIU 46 provides an upload pathfor software and updates and a download path for avionics LRU storedinformation. The avionics LRU stored information can include, but is notlimited to, avionics LRU fault information and recorded parametric dataand triggered reports.

The communications router/server provides end-to-end connection from theaircraft/ground network client to any other aircraft/ground networkclient in a user-defined infrastructure. For example connection isprovided to the flight crew using pilot access terminals or EFBs, to thecabin crew using cabin terminals or EFBs, to the maintenance crew usingEFBs, PATs or any of a variety of wireless hand-held devices such asintranet web-connected cell phones, etc., to airport ground services viaground-based terminals and wireless hand-held devices, and to airlineoperations via ground-based terminals. Connectivity media include ARINC429, Ethernet, HF radio, VHF radio, SATCOM narrowband, digitalbroadband, and IEEE 802.11 wireless protocol, as well as combinationsthereof.

SIU 46 in one configuration is coupled 48 to a remotely controllableelectronic switch 50 that is controlled via an Ethernet connection 56 orARINC 429 interface, depending upon the location of a data loadapplication. The switch is controlled in one configuration usingdirected commands from an “authenticated” ground station (i.e., atrusted ground-based data communication apparatus 12) or another validnetwork client via a terminal area wireless local area network (LAN)operating according to a compatible standard. In one configuration, IEEE802.11 is utilized for the compatible standard. In another configurationin which an Ethernet link is used, a protocol is used between SIU 46 andNSU 41 that permits a remote station 12 of a network client to establisha direct connection to an avionics LRU such as one of avionics units 24for uploading or downloading an ARINC 615 data. The request for thisupload may be initiated using a data communication apparatus 12 such asa pilot access terminal (PAT), electronic flight bag (EFB), or a groundnetwork client. Safety checks, such as those used for data loading bytraditional 2-way ARINC communication, are used by avionics LRUs 24.These checks include embedded (or load) cyclic redundancy checks (CRCs)that are independently recalculated by a target avionics LRU 24 uponreceipt, use of ARINC assigned system address labels (SAL),hardware/software compatibility checks in the LRUs, and other checks.

Some existing aircraft, such as the Boeing 747-400, have a permanentlyinstalled airborne data loader that is always powered up. In existingaircraft, relays and switches have been installed to isolate multipletransmitters to avoid connecting two transmitters to a single receiverat the same time. Therefore, in one configuration, a switch such as thatdescribed in U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/268,085, filed Feb. 13,2001 (which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety) is usedas switch 52. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, two or more ARINC 429 inputs70 are directly connected to a single receiver or transceiver 72 at onetime by implementing a software-controlled switch 74 at remotelycontrolled hub or switch 52. This implementation eliminates the need forexternal relays, procedural workarounds and major aircraft productionrevisions. ARINC 429 transceiver 72 in the embodiment of switch 52represented in FIG. 3 actually includes two receivers as well as atransmitter, with one of the two receivers hard-wired to a single,unswitched ARINC 429 input.

In one configuration of the present invention, aircraft data serviceslink (ADSL) 26 performs a remotely controllable data download functionutilizing the data loading capabilities of existing aircraft avionicsLRUs 24 including on-board servers. The download of data conforming tothe ARINC 615 standard is remotely and/or automatically initiated. Thetransfer of download data from a network operations center (NOC) via adata communications apparatus 12 or aircraft server to an aircraftavionics unit 24 is similar to downloading of operational software usingan ARINC 615 data loader, except that, rather than originating at anARINC 615 data loader connected by cables to the aircraft, data isdownloaded from an on-board server, from one or more network operationscenters (NOCs) via a data communications apparatus 12 and/or from a datacontent service provider. Several different methods are provided in oneconfiguration to initiate uploads. These methods include:

(1) Automatic synchronization downloading and associated auto-deletetask for aircraft network clients, such as wireless handheld devices,fixed or quick disconnect flight deck mounted displays, WAP or PDAdevices on a flightline, the on-board server, and avionics LRUs. Wheninitiated by a NOC, the onboard server synchronizes with the NOC.Aircraft network clients synchronize with the on-board server.

(2) Automatic configuration management uploads, i.e., aircraft versionchange management, for loadable entities on the aircraft that areconnected to the aircraft network. When software updates are complete,the revised software configuration information is transmitted backautomatically to the enabling NOC to alert a quality assurancerepresentative that the download has successfully completed.

(3) Responses to operator-initiated requests from authenticated clientsvia any of the communication paths connected to ADSL 26. Examples ofsuch requests include access to the data from avionics LRUs withoutmanual operator intervention on the aircraft, synchronization tasks withassociated ground network systems, backup and recovery initiation, andother network requests. Network clients include, for example, one ormore authorized users communicating using any of ADSL 26 communicationlinks, cabin or flight deck mounted terminals, portable digitalassistants (PDAs), wireless electronic flight bags (EFB), or one or moreground terminals.

A spread spectrum link 14 is used in one configuration of the presentinvention to manually initiate an ARINC 615 download. An ARINC 615CONFIG.LDR file intended for a target LRU is configured for a download.This header file includes an appropriate system address label (SAL) forthe target LRU, in addition to load CRCs, etc. A connection to aspecific computer occurs prior to activating a data download whenmultiple computers having the same SAL are installed. A downloadtask/configuration manager informs the operator that a connection to thetarget LRU has been established. In one configuration, this notificationis performed in conjunction with a data loader application resident on aground-based system, an authorized network client, or the avionicsgateway. A communications protocol is utilized between the avionicsgateway and an on-board server to tag the most recent configurationchanges for transmission back to the NOC.

ARINC 615-3 and ARINC 615A data loader data for software, configuration,or database updates are transferred, in one configuration of the presentinvention, by initiating software downloads from the ground to anysoftware loadable aircraft avionics unit (i.e., LRU) 24, for example,operational program software (OPS), operational program configuration(OPC), and databases for ARINC 615 LRUs. Systems such as flightmanagement computers (FMCs), flight control computers (FCCs), digitalflight data acquisition units (DFDAUs) 22, aircraft conditioning monitorsystems (ACMSs) 22, SATCOMs, onboard servers and all other ARINC 615-3or ARINC 615A Ethernet loadable systems can be loaded from the groundusing appropriate ARINC 615-3 or ARINC 615A download commands. Anaircraft data services link ADSL 26 system is resident on the aircraftto direct software download requests to any loadable system and totransmit data via existing ARINC 429 and Ethernet interfaces to softwareloadable systems. The ADSL includes one or more processors 40, a memory42, a remotely controllable SIU 46, and a hub or switch 52 coupled to atransceiver 32 (such as an IEEE 802.11 transceiver) for transmission ofdata to an aircraft. An existing ARINC 429 data loader interface,centralized and accessible in the aircraft's flight deck compartment, inconjunction with the ADSL 26, allows direct control and transfer ofsoftware updates to aircraft subsystems within range of a ground stationaccess point having a wireless data communication apparatus 12.

Configurations of the present invention are thus capable of providingrouting and configuration management for each loadable system andterminal device connected to an aircraft local area network (LAN), bothon and off an aircraft.

One suitable SIU 46 and switch 52, in one configuration, providesautomated electronic switching and control for data downloading ofsoftware in the form of operational programs, operational configurationof databases, collection of software configuration information fromsystems such as avionics subsystems and uploading data between thosesubsystems and ARINC 615-3 or 615A data load applications. The data loadapplications may be resident in existing ARINC 615 airborne, portable,or PC-based data loaders or an optional ARINC 763 type on-aircraftnetwork server system. In one configuration, SIU 46 and switch 52 use areal-time LINUX® based platform that is also capable of hosting any dataload application. The switch interface unit can be manually controlledand used as a stand-alone replacement for existing rotary switches, orremotely controlled and integrated into an ARINC 763 type network serversystem.

In one configuration, SIU 46 and switch 52 are configured as a singlephysical unit as a stand alone, data loader rotary switch replacement.Combination SIU 46 and switch 52 in this configuration comprise aprogrammable electronic switch that displays and allows selection ofloadable systems on an aircraft for the purpose of initiating a softwaredata load. The input and output of the combination unit is programmable,primarily to activate interfaces with loadable LRUs connected to thecombination unit, which may vary between different airplane models andairlines. In addition, in one configuration, the combination unitprovides the functions of a configuration data tool and repository, bycontaining a collection of loadable LRUs software part numbers and byproviding a data display device. The combination unit also functions asa monitor of incoming and outgoing ARINC 429 traffic, with appropriateconnections initiated between communicating end-user systems and a dataloader application. The data loader application may, for example, beresident in an existing ARINC 615-3 airborne loader, an ARINC 615AEthernet loader, a portable data loader (when such is connected to aflight deck connector) or the switch interface unit itself, which iscapable of hosting the data loader application in its real-time LINUX®operating system. (LINUX is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.)In one configuration, ARINC 615-3 data load applications are in thecombination unit, because the connection with the airborne server isEthernet only, while current airplane communication interfaces to theinvention are ARINC 429. A protocol packing and unpacking scheme is notrequired if ARINC 615-3 is resident in one configuration of thecombination unit.

In a second configuration, the combination unit is utilized in a NetworkServer System (NSS) that includes an airborne server. In thisconfiguration, the combination unit can be remotely controlled through aprovisional Ethernet connection that is activated only by directedcommands from the airborne server and/or by directed commands from aground station via IEEE 802.11 spread spectrum wireless connection. Thecombination unit may be queried for stored LRU configurationinformation, for example, software (S/W) part numbers from any or all ofthe avionics system connected to the combination unit. The combinationunit may also, automatically or on request, perform compatibility checksbetween expected S/W part numbers stored in a resident database orexternal server connected to the combination unit, and actual partnumbers collected by the combination unit.

The combination unit bridges a gap between interfacing with existingavionics systems for data uploading and data acquisition withoutdrastically modifying the manner in which airplanes are currently built.The functionality of the combination unit is easily adaptable so that itcan become an integral component on future on-board network systems.Embodiments of the combination unit can be used efficiently as adirected data query and download engine to an ARINC 763-type networkserver system. At least one embodiment allows communication with aplurality of computers, which may include a Digital Flight DataAcquisition Unit (DFDAU) and a Flight Management Computer (FMC), withoutmanual intervention via a selection of a rotary switch.

In one configuration of the present invention, upon touchdown of anaircraft, an active query of pre-processed Aircraft ConditioningMonitoring System (ACMS), Smart Access Recorder (SAR), Quick AccessRecorder (QAR), and Data Acquisition Recorder (DAR) historical data froma concluded flight obtained from avionics units 24 can be initiatedusing remotely selectable ARINC 429 data loader interfaces connected toa remotely controlled switch 52. No accumulated data is lost. Activequeries are prevented in this configuration due to avionics systemsinterlocks in the air

The combination unit functions as the aircraft system selector in a dataload/configuration system. The combination unit is line replaceable, andhas many advantages over existing rotary switches. The design of thecombination unit meets and exceeds current data load interfacingrequirements for avionics equipment.

Existing functionality includes acquisition of ARINC 615 data of flightoperations quality assurance (FOQA) smart access recorder (SAR), qualityassurance report (QAR) data and reports for aircraft communications andreporting system (ACARS) stored in ACMS 20. Functionality added in oneconfiguration of the present invention includes uploading of storedfault information from any aircraft LRU 24 connected to ADSL 26. Commonsystem requirements are imposed to achieve this added functionality. Forexample, fault message formats are specified for data upload of allconnected systems for which ARINC 615 upload capability is added ornewly utilized. The additional data acquisition feature, combined withstorage and transmission of ARINC 615 data and the use of minor softwareupdates to aircraft systems, allows a complete central maintenancefunction on non CMC-equipped airplanes such as Boeing 737s, 757s, and767s, without associated production wiring changes.

In one configuration, ADSL 26 retrieves a smart access recorder (SAR)data stream of up to eight channels and triggered ACMS 20 reports inaddition to a QAR data stream in ARINC 615 data format. Upload retrievaltime is about 164 seconds for a 2 MB file acquired from digital flightdata acquisition unit DFDAU 22 ARINC 573/717 serial bus output. A 2 MBfile represents one flight's worth of flight operations qualityassurance (FOQA) data, nominally defined as 2 hours for a flight. Theuplink retrieval time is 164 seconds as a result of the data retrievalmethod used prior to 802.11b transfer. More specifically, the downlinkretrieval time includes 160 seconds on ground plus 4 seconds foraircraft ground data transfer. A 40 MB file represents a transfer at theend of a day's worth of flights. The uplink retrieval time for this 40MB file is 160 seconds, because 18 MB has already been acquired by theserver application for previous flight legs. A 200 MB file represents atransfer at the end of two weeks of flights. (200 MB represents acapacity of PCMCIA cards used for FOQA storage devices such as QARs andACMS.) The uplink retrieval time for this 200 MB file is 400 seconds,because 198 MB is acquired by the server application for previous flightlegs.

It will thus be seen that configurations of the present invention reduceor eliminate the need for manual intervention to operate switches toprovide connectivity between avionics units, and thus provide thecapability to automatically upload avionics data from aircraft to groundstations via wireless communication links without requiring extensiverewiring and/or redesign of existing aircraft. The capability forremotely-initiated download of data from ground stations to aircraft isalso provided without extensive rewiring and/or design.

While various preferred embodiments have been described, those skilledin the art will recognize modifications or variations which might bemade without departing from the inventive concept. The examplesillustrate the invention and are not intended to limit it. Therefore,the description and claims should be interpreted liberally with onlysuch limitation as is necessary in view of the pertinent prior art.

1. A method for wirelessly communicating data between a plurality ofavionics units on an aircraft and a data communication apparatus, saidmethod comprising: wirelessly communicating download data for one saidavionics unit from the data communication apparatus to an aircraft dataservices link in the aircraft; automatically switching a communicationpath from said aircraft data services link to said avionics unitresponsive to said download data; and electronically communicating saiddownload data from said data communication apparatus to said avionicsunit via said automatically switched communication path.
 2. A method inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said wirelessly communicating downloaddata comprises wirelessly communicating said download data via awireless spread spectrum link.
 3. A method in accordance with claim 1further comprising electronically communicating fault informationpertaining to said download data from said avionics unit to saidaircraft data services link via an automatically switched communicationpath, and wirelessly communicating said fault information from saidaircraft data services link to said data communication apparatus.
 4. Amethod in accordance with claim 1 further comprising electronicallycommunicating aircraft performance data from an aircraft conditionmonitoring system on said aircraft to said aircraft data services link,and wirelessly transmitting said aircraft performance data from saidaircraft data services link to said data communication apparatus.
 5. Amethod in accordance with claim 4 further comprising said aircraftcondition monitoring system obtaining said aircraft performance data viaan electronic communication from at least one member of the groupconsisting of an aircraft communication and reporting system on saidaircraft, a maintenance control display unit on said aircraft, and adigital flight data acquisition unit on the aircraft.
 6. A method inaccordance with claim 1 wherein said automatically switchedcommunication path comprises an ARINC 429 bus.
 7. A method in accordancewith claim 1 wherein said download data comprises an ARINC 615 or ARINC615A compliant data.
 8. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein saiddownload data comprises flight operations quality assurance data.
 9. Amethod in accordance with claim 1 wherein said automatically switching acommunication path further comprises identifying an intended destinationfrom said avionics units from information contained in a standard formatof downloaded ARINC 615 or 615A compliant data.
 10. A method forwirelessly communicating data between a plurality of avionics units onan aircraft and a data communication apparatus, said method comprising:automatically switching a communication path from one said avionics unitto an aircraft data services link in the aircraft; electronicallycommunicating data from said avionics unit to said aircraft dataservices link via said automatically switched communication path; andwirelessly communicating said data from said aircraft data services linkto said data communication apparatus.
 11. A method in accordance withclaim 10 wherein said automatically switched communication pathcomprises an ARINC 429 bus.
 12. A method in accordance with claim 10further comprising electronically communicating aircraft performancedata from at least one member of a group consisting of: an aircraftcondition monitoring system on said aircraft, a maintenance controldisplay unit on said aircraft, and a digital flight data acquisitionunit, to said aircraft data services link, and wirelessly transmittingsaid aircraft performance data from said aircraft data services link tosaid data communication apparatus.
 13. An apparatus for wirelesslycommunicating data between a plurality of avionics units on an aircraftand a data communication apparatus external to the aircraft, saidapparatus comprising, onboard an aircraft: an aircraft data serviceslink having a processor, means for wirelessly transmitting and receivingdata to and from a data communication apparatus external to theaircraft, and a remotely controllable electronic switch; and a pluralityof avionics units coupled to said remotely controllable electronicswitch; wherein said processor is responsive to data received from thedata communication apparatus via said means for wireless transmittingand receiving to identify an intended destination from said avionicsunits from information contained in a standard format of downloadedARINC 615 or 615A compliant data, and to automatically control saidremotely controllable electronic switch to selectively couple saidintended destination avionics unit to said aircraft data services linkto provide data communication between said intended destination avionicsunit and the data communication apparatus via said aircraft dataservices link.
 14. An apparatus in accordance with claim 13 wherein saidmeans for wireless transmitting and receiving comprises an IEEE 802.11transceiver.
 15. An apparatus in accordance with claim 13 wherein saidmeans for wireless transmitting and receiving comprises a spreadspectrum receiver and transmitter.
 16. An apparatus in accordance withclaim 13 wherein said means for wireless transmitting and receivingcomprises an IEEE 802.11a receiver and transmitter.
 17. An apparatus inaccordance with claim 13 wherein said means for wireless transmittingand receiving comprises an amplitude modulation receiver andtransmitter.
 18. An apparatus in accordance with claim 13 furthercomprising an aircraft condition monitoring system on the aircraft, saidaircraft condition monitoring system electronically coupled to saidaircraft data services link, wherein said processor is responsive todata transferred from said aircraft condition monitoring system to saidaircraft data services link and configured to schedule wirelesstransmission of said data transferred from said aircraft conditionmonitoring system to the data communication apparatus.
 19. An apparatusin accordance with claim 18 further comprising at least one member ofthe group consisting of an aircraft communication and reporting systemon the aircraft, a maintenance control display unit on said aircraft,and a digital flight data acquisition unit on the aircraft, and whereinsaid at least one member is operatively coupled to said aircraftcondition monitoring system to communicate information to datacommunication apparatus wirelessly via said aircraft data services link.20. An apparatus in accordance with claim 13 wherein at least two ofsaid plurality of avionics units coupled to said remotely controllableswitch are coupled to said remotely controllable switch via ARINC 429busses.
 21. An apparatus in accordance with claim 13 wherein saidaircraft data services link is configured to communicate ARINC 615compliant data to at least some of said avionics units.
 22. An apparatusin accordance with claim 21 wherein said aircraft data services linkincludes a memory coupled to said processor, and said processor isconfigured to maintain a database in said memory containing versionidentifiers of software in said avionics units, and to update saiddatabase when data transmitted from said data communication apparatus iscommunicated to an avionics unit via said aircraft data services link.23. An apparatus in accordance with claim 13 configured to wirelesslydownload flight quality assurance data.
 24. An apparatus for wirelesslycommunicating data between a plurality of avionics units on an aircraftand a data communication apparatus external to the aircraft, saidapparatus comprising, onboard an aircraft: an aircraft data serviceslink having a processor and means for wirelessly transmitting andreceiving to and from a data communication apparatus external to theaircraft; and a plurality of avionics units coupled to a remotelycontrollable switch; wherein said processor is responsive to datareceived from the data communication apparatus via said means forwireless transmitting and receiving to identify an intended destinationfrom said avionics units from information contained in a standard formatof downloaded ARINC 615 or 615A compliant data, and to automaticallycontrol said remotely controllable electronic switch to selectivelycouple said intended destination avionics unit to said aircraft dataservices link to provide data communication between said intendeddestination avionics unit and the data communication apparatus via saidaircraft data services link.